The Connect & Collab Expo in Middlesbrough is a new event designed to bring the North East & Teesside business community together for a day of meaningful connection, collaboration & practical support.
Being held at Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough on Tuesday 10thFebruary 2026 (9am-5pm), this isn’t your typical business conference or expo. It’s a space built with intention – where businesses of all sizes can network, learn & access real expertise that supports growth.
Why Connect & Collab?
The name reflects the heart of the event: creating genuine connections & encouraging collaboration across the region. We’re bringing together organisations from every sector to share knowledge, spark meaningful conversations & build relationships that last beyond the day.
What makes this expo different?
The event has been designed to be more than just rows of exhibition stands. Expect:
- Interactive strategic networking
- Expert-led talks on the topics businesses actually need
- One‑to‑one ‘Knowledge Pods’ offering tailored advice
- Relaxed, engaging spaces that encourage real conversations
There’s a clear gap in the region for an expo that blends learning, collaboration & business promotion which is exactly what Connect & Collab delivers.
What’s on offer for businesses?
Expo Stands & Advertising Opportunities
Choose the space or visibility option that suits your business:
- Legends Lounge (SME Area) – £100 + VAT
- Host & Stay Suite (Larger Business Level) – £150 + VAT
- Registration & Sign‑Up Stands – £200 + VAT
Advertising & Sponsorship Opportunities
- Headline Sponsor – £1,000 + VAT
- Business Card Board – £200 + VAT
- Job Opportunities Board – £200 + VAT
- Screen Ads – £35 + VAT
- Programme Ads:
- Half Page – £50 + VAT
- Full Page – £75 + VAT
- Double Page – £100 + VAT
Expert Talks
10am – 11am – PR Mastery with Charlotte Nichols (Harvey & Hugo)
11am – 12pm – Finance & Funding Essentials with Craig Jiggins (TBP – Trusted Business Partner)
1pm – 2pm – Websites & SEO with Jonathan Saunders (Colewood Digital)
2pm – 3pm – AI & Software Tools with Christian Green (Green Nexus)
These 1hr sessions are included in your free ticket, allowing you to build a personalised learning path that fits your business goals.
Knowledge Pods – One‑to‑One Expert Sessions
Finance & Funding – with Sharon Braithwaite of Barclays Eagle Labs
Law & Legislation – with Helen Lyne
Accountancy – with Beverley Goodall of AbacusBean Limited
Business Management – with John Forth of IS THIS YOU?
Team Development – with Michaela Reaney of Opportunity Global & TEDxTeesside
Strategic Networking Room
You’ll get more than standard networking as you experience strategic networking led by Cheryl Spears, fresh off her ‘NECC Best Small Business Award’ win.
Cheryl knows exactly how to help businesses connect with purpose. When she talks, it’s genuinely straight to the point – her business tagline isn’t just there for decoration. Expect clarity, confidence & connections that matter.
Networking Spaces
Alongside the dedicated networking room, you’ll also find breakfast & lunch areas plus VIP lounges for premium conversations & relationship building.
How this fits with Spear‑heads’ mission
Connect & Collab is a natural extension of what Spear‑heads already does best — empowering businesses to grow through connection, collaboration & strategic support.
It builds on the success of ‘Spear‑net’, ‘The Lunch Lab’ & ‘The Sales Summit’, bringing all those strengths together at scale.
Looking ahead
Our aim is for Connect & Collab to become a flagship annual event for the North East & Teesside – a must‑attend date in the business calendar, growing year on year.
Book your space
To book an expert pod, secure an expo stand, or request sponsorship & advertising details, please contact Lynsey Newsome at events@eleven87.co.uk or call 07949 926873
If you’d just like to attend, FREE tickets & VIP Tickets (£11.55) are available here (or via the form below):
Don’t miss out & get involved in the first Connect & Collab Expo in Middlesbrough!